Major Controversies Surrounding Tom Brady: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Tom Brady—discover key moments of controversy.

Tom Brady is an American former professional football quarterback renowned as the greatest of all time. He played 23 seasons in the NFL, spending 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, where he spearheaded their dynasty from 2001 to 2019. He concluded his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing for three seasons.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

May 6, 2015: NFL publishes report regarding Deflategate

On May 6, 2015, the NFL published a 243-page report regarding the deflation of footballs used in the previous season's AFC Championship Game. The report concluded that, more likely than not, Brady was at least generally aware of the intentional deflation. This report triggered further controversy and disciplinary actions.

2016: Support for Donald Trump

During the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump stated Tom Brady supported him and voted for him. After a Trump campaign cap was photographed in Brady's locker, Brady said Gisele Bündchen told him to not discuss politics anymore.

2016: Trump invites Brady to speak at Republican National Convention

In 2016, Donald Trump invited Tom Brady to speak at the Republican National Convention, but Brady declined due to discomfort with political endorsements.

2016: Suspension

In 2016, Tom Brady's streak of consecutive starts ended due to suspension.

2016: Gisele Bündchen reveals Brady suffered concussions

In 2016, Tom Brady's wife, Gisele Bündchen, mentioned in an interview that Brady suffered from concussions, leading to NFL investigation. The NFL found no records indicating Brady suffered a head injury or concussion during the 2016 season.

2017: White House Visit

In 2017, Tom Brady did not join the Patriots in visiting Donald Trump at the White House after their Super Bowl victory, citing "personal family matters".

April 2020: Brady discusses Trump on The Howard Stern Show

In April 2020, Tom Brady discussed his relationship with Donald Trump on The Howard Stern Show, explaining that he declined to speak at the 2016 Republican National Convention due to discomfort with political endorsements, even though Trump had asked him to speak at the convention. Brady mentioned knowing Trump since 2001 and participating in events like the Miss USA pageant. Brady also stated that Trump would attend Patriots games, call him, and golf with him but he did not see benefit in getting involved in such a polarizing event. Brady said he hadn't spoken to Trump in years.

2021: FTX Spokesperson

In 2021, Tom Brady was a paid spokesperson for FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange.

February 2022: Bitconnect Ruling

In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.

2022: Brady reflects on his relationship with Trump

In 2022, Tom Brady stated that he had not spoken with Donald Trump in "years" and felt their relationship had been mischaracterized.

2023: FTX Losses

In 2023, it was reported that Tom Brady owned 1 million shares in FTX, and he and his wife lost an estimated combined value of $45 million when FTX went bankrupt.